Hantavirus outbreak in Yosemite National Park

Hantavirus warning has been sent out to 1,700 recent Yosemite National Park visitors

August 28, 2012

Share this story

WRITTEN BY: Kelly Bradley

Tents in Curry Village in Yosemite National Park

Image Source: pshab via Flickr

Visitors of Yosemite National Park between mid-June and late August are in danger of contracting hantavirus—a rodent-borne disease.

Two recent park visitors have already fell victim to the disease. According to officials, they stayed at Yosemite’s popular Curry Village in June.

The individuals who have visited the park during the time of the outbreak of hantavirus are being contacted. The Park Service said, “These individuals are being informed of the recent cases and are being advised to seek immediate medical attention if they exhibit any symptoms of hantavirus.”

The symptoms of this disease include fever, chills, fatigue, muscle aches, headaches, stomach pain, nausea and diarrhea. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “In less than 10 days, those symptoms give way to coughing and shortness of breath as the lungs fill with fluid.”

Victims contracted the hantavirus after coming into contact with urine, droppings or saliva of infected rodents—mostly deer mice.

Yosemite National Park is dealing with the issue and attempting to clean the premises of rodents. “Structures throughout the park continue to be cleaned by following recommended practices and are inspected regularly,” the Park Service stated.

Anyone with questions regarding the hantavirus can call Yosemite’s non-emergency phone line at (209) 372-0822 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.